SL350 buying advice please

[Adenauer]

I am very tempted by an SL350. Something like this for the weekends.

https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id...

What are the most important things to watch out for?

Thanks.

Edited by Adenauer on Wednesday 14th September 07:44

[fozzymandeus]

Complex cars with lots to look for.
My knowledge is for UK spec cars but probably applies.
That car appears to have the wrong taillights for a pre facelift.
Boot seals are not well designed as the ones on the c-pillar are under tension from the boot lid, so they pull away from the metal and leak.
I’ve seen rusty ones, 2002-3 particularly, but more recently 2005 ones. Check rear arches carefully.
Check the dash for warnings, lots are to do with low battery levels and self resolve (e.g “electric consumers offline”) but some could mean bigger problems (Red: battery visit workshop could be ECU issues)
Check roof works, including plastic ratchet parts like c-pillar covers and the flap at the front of the boot lid
PSE pump in the boot - check the sponge over it is dry, and that the boot is unaffected by water ingress
Most SL350s don’t have ABC; which is good.
Engine and gearbox - the 3.7 is a strong engine with no faults I know of. 5G-tronic gearboxes are strong. 7G okay, but more prone to faults. Parking pawl in all can break trapping the mech in park.
There’s probably more but that’s the gist. Great cars though, just old and complex.

[Adenauer]

Thanks Fozzy, that's a lot to look out for!

I hadn't even noticed the rear lights on the one I posted but comparing them to others of the same year they do look different.

Not sure if you've enthused me or terrified me now though

Edited by Adenauer on Friday 16th September 08:41

[ArmaghMan]

Don't be terrified but do go.in eyes open.
These were complex cars when new and can throw a big bill at you relative to car value.
Best advice I can give...get a good indy to inspect before purchase.
Seller won't agree to inspection..walk away.

Great cars....gratuitous pic of mine

[Adenauer]

The really are cracking looking cars

My Father's had one for the last 11 years, he loves it and at the age of 75 still enjoys driving it. His local garage chap has just found some spots of rust on the rear arches which apparently is a big job and a common problem with them. Sadly he's now falling out of love with it, quite quickly.

[Monkeylegend]

Adenauer said:

Thanks Fozzy, that's a lot to look out for!

I hadn't even noticed the rear lights on the one I posted but comparing them to others of the same year they do look different.

Not sure if you've enthused me or terrified me now though

Edited by Adenauer on Friday 16th September 08:41

In addition to what Fozzy has said the fuel tank baffles can come adrift but can be repaired in situ.

I sold mine last year after 6 years of trouble free ownership but would recommend keeping the auxiliary battery in the boot on a trickle charge if not being used for any length of time. This also keeps the starter battery under the bonnet in good shape.

The other thing to check is the SBC pump, they operate for a pre determined number of brake pedal applications before they asked to be replaced. They can be reset via STAR to give extended life, and you can get cheaper non Merc parts now but still several £'00s to replace.

They are very sensitive to low voltage and will show all sorts of warnings, and shut down some comfort functions, like the roof operation, until they are up to charge again.

I must admit to breathing a small sigh of relief when mine went that I had got away without any big expenditure other than a CPS which only cost me £194 to replace.

Edited by Monkeylegend on Friday 16th September 08:58

Edited by Monkeylegend on Friday 16th September 09:01

[trevalvole]

Adenauer said:

The really are cracking looking cars

My Father's had one for the last 11 years, he loves it and at the age of 75 still enjoys driving it. His local garage chap has just found some spots of rust on the rear arches which apparently is a big job and a common problem with them. Sadly he's now falling out of love with it, quite quickly.

A link off the following thread says that R230 SLs were only fully galvanised from Q3 2004 onwards: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Monkeylegend]

trevalvole said:

Adenauer said:

The really are cracking looking cars

My Father's had one for the last 11 years, he loves it and at the age of 75 still enjoys driving it. His local garage chap has just found some spots of rust on the rear arches which apparently is a big job and a common problem with them. Sadly he's now falling out of love with it, quite quickly.

A link off the following thread says that R230 SLs were only fully galvanised from Q3 2004 onwards: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Mine was a July 2004 car and had the start of a very small rust bubble on the front edge of both rear wings at the base of the doors, one reason for selling mine.

[Adenauer]

That's good to know, thanks, so I really want to be looking at anything post Q3 2004.

[Steve H]

Did these suffer with the balance shaft issues like the CLK? or are they different engines?

[Monkeylegend]

Steve H said:

Did these suffer with the balance shaft issues like the CLK? or are they different engines?

The 3.7 litre engines were ok, the issue affected the first 2/3 years production of the 3.5 litre engines, up to around 2007 from memory.

There is a list of engine numbers affected to varying degrees on the Mercedes forums.

[Touring442]

Anything 06 onwards has the M272 V6 or M273 V8 - not a great engine. The previous M112 V6 and M113 V8 engines are superb - I've never heard of one breaking. As well as balance shafts you have swirl flaps and other crap to deal with. The 7Gtronic is a very average gearbox and repairs are ££££.

The main problem with the SL is that Mercedes built it, a company that talks big on quality yet doesn't really deliver. Rust, water leaks, electronics and insane over complication.

[Adenauer]

Hi all, and thanks for your help.

Just to put this to bed, I've decided against it.
They sort of reminded me of the 928 Porsche in terms of desirability v potential wallet draining potential, and I don't want that in the back of my mind with a weekend toy.

I had silly thoughts of selling my Mustang and getting an SL, however, having given the Mustang a dam good thrashing followed by a good wash and polish, I'm staying with the redneck rather than accepting my age and buying a pipe.

[Adenauer]

It’s very shiny

[Touring442]

Adenauer said:

Hi all, and thanks for your help.

Just to put this to bed, I've decided against it.
They sort of reminded me of the 928 Porsche in terms of desirability v potential wallet draining potential, and I don't want that in the back of my mind with a weekend toy.

I had silly thoughts of selling my Mustang and getting an SL, however, having given the Mustang a dam good thrashing followed by a good wash and polish, I'm staying with the redneck rather than accepting my age and buying a pipe.

Good decision.